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Arctic Birds Face New Shipping Threats
14 Dec
Summary
- Isolated thick-billed murre colony near Paulatuk faces increased risks.
- Arctic shipping traffic has increased 37% between 2013 and 2024.
- Flightless birds are vulnerable to ship strikes and oil spills.
An isolated colony of thick-billed murres, nicknamed the "penguins of the North," nesting on Cape Parry in the Northwest Territories is facing escalating dangers. Research indicates that increased Arctic shipping traffic and environmental changes pose significant threats to this rare western Arctic population of approximately 1,300 birds.
The study, led by the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, has mapped crucial molting and nursery areas for the colony. These locations overlap with a defined shipping corridor, which has seen a 37% increase in traffic between 2013 and 2024 due to longer ice-free seasons.
Researchers warn that the murres, especially during their flightless molting period, are vulnerable to ship strikes, oil spills, and noise pollution disrupting their food sources. The findings highlight the delicate balance of Arctic ecosystems and how climate change impacts wildlife, with broader implications for the planet.
